Baguio: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has urged both tourists and locals to utilize the online application BCPO@viewBaguio for real-time updates on traffic conditions, crowd estimates, and parking availability in specific areas. This initiative aims to enhance safety and convenience for those navigating the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, BCPO Director Col. Ruel Tagel emphasized the importance of the app in helping users stay informed about various city ordinances enforced by the police. These ordinances include a no-smoking rule in public places, a number coding scheme, and prohibitions against spitting, indiscriminate garbage disposal, and the use of gadgets while walking.

Tagel highlighted the ‘Implan kalmang paglalakbay’ program, which translates to “One with safe and comfortable trip to Baguio City.” This program has been implemented to ensure increased police visibility at tourist destinations like parks, the city market, churches, and checkpoints at the city’s boundaries. Approximately 400 uniformed personnel are deployed across the city, supported by additional force multipliers providing motorist assistance, medical aid, and tourist information.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. David Peredo, director of the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PROCAR), stated that an additional 2,000 personnel have been deployed to assist motorists and tourists. Peredo has inspected various transportation terminals in Baguio and Benguet, advising drivers and conductors to ensure the safe delivery of travelers to their destinations.

Furthermore, the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency have carried out spot drug testing on at least 25 drivers and conductors at each of the six major bus and public utility van terminals. This measure aims to ensure safe travel for passengers during the Holy Week in the region.